Thyme

Botanical Name:                   Thymus vulgaris
Synonym:                              Red thyme
Botanical Family:                  Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Country of Origin:                 Spain and Mediterranean
Plant Part:                             leaves and flowering tops
Extraction Method:               Steam distillation
Characteristics:                    Sweet, tangy, herbaceous
Properties:                             
Antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericide, cardiac, carminative, cicatrisant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticide, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge
Chemical Constituents:       
α-thujene, α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, p-cymene, α-terpinene, linalool, borneol, β-caryophyllene, thymol, carvacrol, geraniol
 
Indications:
 
Mind & Spirit:                                   
 
Aids concentration and memory
Strengthens nerves, combats fatigue, anxiety and depression
Lifts spirits
Releases mental blockages and trauma.
 
Body:                         
 
Ideal for treating colds, coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma 
Raises low BP
Relieves pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, gout and sciatica. 
 
Contraindications:                May cause skin irritation, not to be used with High BP.
Note:                                     Top to middle
Odour Intensity:                    Un-referred
Blends well with:                  
Bergamot, cajeput, cedarwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, neroli, rosemary, tea tree
 
Traditions:                 
Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming.  The Romans and Greeks used it for medicinal purposes.  Hippocrates recommended infusions of the herb to be drunk at the end of banquets for digestive purposes.  The Romans used it to dispel melancholy and promote bravery.